Museo de Bellas Artes Bilbao 2026: Free Entry During Renovation
The Museo de Bellas Artes is free all of 2026 — but not for the reason you think. The main building is closed for a Foster + Partners expansion. The temporary pavilion has a curated selection and zero ticket price. Here's what's open and what to skip.
The Museo de Bellas Artes Bilbao is free all of 2026 — but not because of a policy change. The main building is closed for a major Foster + Partners expansion, and the collection has moved to the 1970 pavilion on Plaza Chillida. Admission is free while works continue, and the full museum is scheduled to reopen in summer 2026.
If you were planning to buy the Artean Pass (Guggenheim + Bellas Artes combo), hold off. With Bellas Artes free, the pass no longer saves money.
What's open right now
Operations have moved to the 1970 building, entered from Plaza Chillida / Alameda del Conde Arteche (not the main Parque Doña Casilda entrance). The pavilion holds a rotating selection from the permanent collection plus temporary exhibitions.
What to prioritise: the Spanish painting rooms — Goya, El Greco, Zurbarán, Ribera — and the Basque 19th- and 20th-century wing. The scale is much smaller than the full museum, so plan 60–90 minutes rather than the 2–3 hours the complete building needs.
Hours and closing days (2026)
Winter: Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:00, Sunday 10:00–15:00. Summer (June 15 to September 15): Monday to Saturday 11:00–20:00, Sunday 11:00–15:00. Closed Tuesdays, December 25, January 1, January 6.
Hours can change. Confirm on the official museum page before visiting.
How to combine with the Guggenheim
The two museums are 10 minutes apart on foot. The obvious route goes along Alameda de Mazarredo, but the quieter walk is through Parque Doña Casilda — greener, faster in summer.
Closing days are offset: the Guggenheim closes Mondays, Bellas Artes closes Tuesdays. If your Bilbao trip includes a Monday, do Bellas Artes that day (or any exhibitions Monday–Saturday). Wednesday and Thursday are the days with both museums open and the lowest crowds. For the inside view of what to see at the Guggenheim itself, see our Guggenheim Bilbao guide.
If you only have one day and the Guggenheim is the anchor, visit Bellas Artes first thing at 10:00, then walk to the Guggenheim for an 11:30 slot. The Guggenheim Bilbao skip-the-line ticket on GetYourGuide (€15, free cancellation) offers a guided tour with entry included — useful if you want context on Bilbao's urban transformation through art.
On the Artean Pass in 2026
Before the renovation, the Artean Pass combined Guggenheim + Bellas Artes for €18 (saving roughly €7). With Bellas Artes free this year, the pass reduces to a €15 Guggenheim ticket with a different label. If you're visiting only the Guggenheim, buy that ticket directly. If someone offers you the Artean as a deal in 2026, check the price — they may not have updated the calculation.
Once the expansion reopens (announced for summer 2026), the pass will again be worth considering. We will update this page when the full pricing is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Museo de Bellas Artes Bilbao free in 2026?
Yes. Admission is free throughout 2026 while the main building undergoes expansion work by Foster + Partners and LM Uriarte. Operations have moved to the 1970 pavilion with entrance from Plaza Chillida (Alameda del Conde Arteche). The full museum is expected to reopen in summer 2026.
What can you see while the main building is closed?
A curated selection from the permanent collection is on display in the 1970 pavilion, along with temporary exhibitions. Highlights typically include Spanish and Basque painting (Goya, El Greco, Zurbarán) and 20th-century works. The scale is reduced compared to the main building but entry is free.
What are the opening hours in 2026?
Winter: Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:00, Sunday 10:00–15:00. Summer (June 15 – September 15): Monday to Saturday 11:00–20:00, Sunday 11:00–15:00. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and on December 25, January 1, and January 6. Confirm on the official page before visiting.
Can you visit the Museo de Bellas Artes and Guggenheim on the same day?
Yes, they are 10 minutes apart on foot. The Guggenheim is closed on Mondays; the Bellas Artes is closed on Tuesdays. If you have two days in Bilbao, pair them on Wednesday or Thursday for maximum flexibility. The Artean Pass normally combines both, but the free entry to Bellas Artes in 2026 makes the pass less useful for this year.
When will the expanded museum reopen?
The expansion is scheduled to reopen in summer 2026. The project, led by Foster + Partners and LM Uriarte, connects the museum's historic and 1970 buildings and adds new galleries. Verify the reopening date on the museum's official page closer to your visit.
Last verified: April 2026